Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
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Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
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Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
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Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
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Coastal issues

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16 Feb 2023

Six dead, two missing after recent rains in northern KZN

Gugu Myeni (Zululand Observer) Picture: Search for missing people is ongoing

Six people across uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, uMzinyathi and Amajuba districts lost their lives in the recent heavy rains. This as disaster management teams remain on high alert as bad weather conditions persist.

According to the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), a total of 139 homes were destroyed and 158 partially damaged. Two people have been reported missing.

“We extend our condolences to the families of Nokulunga Mchunu (22) and Thulani Mabaso (52), both from Danhausser; Thobile Innocentia Hadebe (39) from eNdumeni; Skhulile Msweli (25) from Mtubatuba; Lindani Dlamini (17) from Jozini, and the family of the three-month-old infant from Newcastle,” said Cogta MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi.

“Nkonzo Moses Buthelezi (37) and Nomathemba Caroline Buthelezi (42), both from eNdumeni, were swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river. Disaster management personnel are still conducting search operations,” she said.

A state of national disaster has been proclaimed, which will allow the reprioritisation of resources to the devastation caused by the heavy rains.

“In terms of public infrastructure, roads and bridges across the province have been mostly affected. These include both gravel and black-top roads,” said Sithole-Moloi.

“Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an end in sight as the South African Weather Service has warned that the rains are set to continue throughout the [remainder of] summer.”

Residents are urged to exercise caution:

  • Do not try to cross flooded rivers, whether by car or on foot
    • Stay away from river banks
    • To those with homes along river banks, do not wait for the river to overflow before seeking safer shelter
    • Share weather warnings among the communities, including with school-going children
    • Do not drive when it is not safe to do so; rather wait for the rain to subside before continuing with your travel
    • Water-proof your yard by making channels for the water to pass through.

 

Online Article